Does Water Aerobics Offer the Same Benefits As Regular Aerobics?

When you've decided to get in shape through exercise, joining an aerobics class is a logical choice, especially if you enjoy working out in a group. Your next order of business is choosing between land-based aerobics and water aerobics. Each style of fitness class has a unique set of pros and cons; for example, water aerobics doesn't burn calories as quickly as land aerobics, but is often more suitable for those with joint issues.

  1. Calories Burned

    • Water aerobics has its share of benefits, but if you're looking for an exercise that burns calories at a rapid rate, a land aerobics class is more suitable. According to Harvard Medical School, a 155-pound person will burn 149 calories in a 30-minute water aerobics session. The same person will burn 260 calories in 30 minutes of high-impact aerobics and 372 calories in 30 minutes of high-impact step aerobics.

    Impact

    • Water-based exercises such as water aerobics are ideal for those with joint pain and those who are overweight or obese, as the water significantly lessens the impact of the exercise. If you've tried land aerobics but find your knees are sore after the class, consider water aerobics. Spine-Health notes the water can not only make certain movements easier, but can also help increase your mobility and reduce pain that would otherwise occur on land.

    Muscle Toning

    • In water aerobics, the water provides additional resistance that increases the muscle-toning benefits of this type of exercise over land aerobics. "The Guardian" reports the toning potential of water aerobics is significantly greater than that of land aerobics, as the water creates 12 times more resistance than air. When performing water aerobics, the newspaper notes, gravity doesn't come into effect. As such, moving both up and down provides considerable resistance.

    Other Considerations

    • If you're pregnant and your doctor has instructed you to get some light aerobic exercise, "The Guardian" notes you'll get more out of your water aerobics class. Although both types of aerobics can boost your mood, exercising in water improves your dexterity and limits discomfort. People who wish to improve their balance can benefit more from land aerobics, but if your poor balance means exercise can be difficult, a water aerobics class provides more physical support as you execute the movements. "The Guardian" warns water aerobics will not improve your balance as quickly as land aerobics.